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Hi, my name is aformoy!
aformoy
Member Posts: 1 Listener
I suffered an acquired brain injury when I was 28, that was many years ago, I have suffered with depression, epilepsy, fatigue, memory problems to name but a few. I have been unable to work full time since my accident.
I have, however, completed a teaching degree and was teaching students with learning and behavioural difficulties. I then moved away and so left my job.
I did apply for PIP, was granted the higher rate then reassessed and was told I didn’t qualify for anything, basically I said I had problems with certain things and the assessor decided I didn’t. Made me feel very depressed and worthless. I was applying for at least 3 jobs a week, anything from a museum curator to a cleaner, didn’t even get an interview. Struggled financially, didn’t qualify for any benefits.
Have now found a job, at last, as a Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner. Going into Care homes and running gardening clubs for the residents, I don’t do many hours but it’s amazing how ones self esteem suddenly blossoms once again. It’s still difficult financially but I don’t worry quite as much.
My disability has changed my life, but I hope it has made me a better person, getting the right medication for depression has been a major breakthrough and feeling I’m doing my bit for the community has improved my mood. I hated applying for benefits and the demeaning way it made me feel, as I’m sure so many disabled people experience. I could rant and rave about our benefit system, but I won’t. So that’s my story in a nutshell.
I have, however, completed a teaching degree and was teaching students with learning and behavioural difficulties. I then moved away and so left my job.
I did apply for PIP, was granted the higher rate then reassessed and was told I didn’t qualify for anything, basically I said I had problems with certain things and the assessor decided I didn’t. Made me feel very depressed and worthless. I was applying for at least 3 jobs a week, anything from a museum curator to a cleaner, didn’t even get an interview. Struggled financially, didn’t qualify for any benefits.
Have now found a job, at last, as a Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner. Going into Care homes and running gardening clubs for the residents, I don’t do many hours but it’s amazing how ones self esteem suddenly blossoms once again. It’s still difficult financially but I don’t worry quite as much.
My disability has changed my life, but I hope it has made me a better person, getting the right medication for depression has been a major breakthrough and feeling I’m doing my bit for the community has improved my mood. I hated applying for benefits and the demeaning way it made me feel, as I’m sure so many disabled people experience. I could rant and rave about our benefit system, but I won’t. So that’s my story in a nutshell.
Replies
As someone who went through most of Maggie Thatcher's years unemployed and refusing to sign on because I couldn't hack the ritual humiliation, I know what you mean about benefits. It seems just to get worse over time.
Anyway, your 'story in a nutshell' is an interesting and encouraging read. Thank you for posting it. And if there is anything you think we might be able to do to assist you, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Warmest best wishes,
Richard